Detlev Mehlis, Head of the International Independent Investigation Commission, has officially asked for an extension in his mandate to probe the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The request was made late Thursday, during a meeting Mr. Mehlis had with Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"We expect in the coming days that the Secretary-General will formally inform the Security Council about this request for an extension," a UN spokesman said. Mehlis' mandate ends on September 16. According to KUNA, diplomats said Mr. Mehlis asked for an extension until late October.